Ausangate Trek – 2 Days

Our thrilling journey begins early in the morning. At 4:00 am, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive two hours to Pitumarca. From there, we will drive for another hour and a half to Quesiuno, where the hike for the day will begin.

Our chef will provide a tasty and nourishing breakfast to give you the energy you need to tackle the task ahead while we finish up our last preparations before leaving. Before the trip begins, you should listen carefully to your guide, who will explain the entire schedule for today as well as important safety advice for the next two days.

The magnificent Ausangate glacier, the highest point in the entire Cusco region, can be seen in the distance as we begin our remarkable and little-known hike through a verdant valley. You will see a number of peasant communities along the journey and learn about the Andean culture’s strong bond with the natural world. Hundreds of llamas and alpacas will be watching you the entire time!

We will proceed to the first pass, which is called Puka Pass (4,870 m/15,978 ft). From there, you’ll be able to take in a breathtaking view of the enormous Ausangate glacier directly in front of you, as well as the pristine waters of the Pukaqocha Lagoon. You’ll observe how the snow from this revered glacier feeds the lagoon’s waters. Your senses will be awakened by this show, and you will experience a strong sensation of vitality. Remember to keep your camera charged! Along the route, there are plenty of breathtaking photo ops.

We’ll take a brief break before continuing our hike for an additional hour and a half downhill to Anantapata, where we’ll have lunch. After we’ve recovered, we’ll continue climbing for two more hours until we arrive at Warmisaya Pass, the route’s highest point (4,955 m/16,257 ft). The breathtaking hues and surreal appearance of Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, will be visible to you for the first time from a distance.

For the last forty-five minutes, we will descend till we arrive at our tent, which is adjacent to the Surineqocha Lagoon. We’ll greet you with our happy hour, which includes hot beverages and food to satisfy your hunger. A delectable dinner will be provided later, followed by a well-earned night’s sleep.

This morning, at precisely 4:00 am, we will wake you up and serve you a steaming cup of coca-leaf tea in your tent. This will warm you up in the middle of the cold mountains and give you the energy boost you need to get going. After that, our chef will prepare a nutritious breakfast for you to enjoy. Get ready to discover the spectacular Rainbow Mountain and the breathtaking Red Valley.

We will spend approximately two hours climbing to the 5,100 m (16,732 ft) viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain. Once there, you’ll have free time to explore and admire panoramic views of Rainbow Mountain, the majestic Ausangate Glacier, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Enjoy an unforgettable 360° panoramic view before the larger crowds arrive and experience one of the most impressive landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.

After enjoying the viewpoint, we will begin a two-hour descent, passing through traditional Andean settlements and herds of llamas. If you’re fortunate, you may also spot vicuñas, wild camelids that have inhabited the region since the time of the Incas. Following our final delicious lunch, our private transportation will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.